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The wolf slowly came to his senses, his head throbbing. The last thing he remembered, he'd been writing a manuscript at his writing desk, when that visitor came to his room... Then it all went dark. What in the world had happened?

His blurry vision began to focus. He was... manacled? In a study of some sort, but like none he'd ever seen before. An array of glass vials bubbled and brewed away in the corner, glowing with green light, giving off an acrid and sharp scent that assaulted his sensitive snout. Books lined shelves that in turn lined the walls of the room, and everything was dimly illuminated by glowing yellow crystals that hung from sconces at regular intervals hanging from the ceiling. Shaking his head, the wolf stood up, a mistake that sent him reeling with vertigo. He started to fall over, unable to reach out to catch himself due to the chains on his wrists, when strong, scaly arms suddenly wrapped around him to save him.

"Woah there! Take it easy... I'm sorry for the rough treatment, my precious, but I had to be sure you'd come quietly. You shouldn't move so much, that spell takes a while to wear off..."

The wolf hung limply in this strangers' arms for a minute, recovering. My precious...? Eventually, he looked up to see who his kidnapper, and would-be savior, was. Craning his neck, he saw...

A dragon?!

Like something out of myth, the scaled beast loomed several inches above him. Deep red scales, with a dark black chest. And those eyes... Glowing amber eyes, ancient, full of secrets, full of power... The wolf straightened up and pushed himself out of the dragon's arms. As he did, he finally noticed a powerful scent of... cinnamon? And lavender? Clearing his throat, the wolf demanded, "Who the hell are you? Where have you taken me? And what the hell do you mean, precious?!"

The dragon raised a taloned hand. "I can answer your questions, just slow down. You'll hurt yourself again. Here, let me..." The dragon mumbled something and gestured with his hands, a green glow emanating from them. As the light faded, so too did the pounding in the wolf's head. The dragon continued, "There, that should help. Now, to answer your questions. My name is Adlier, and I am one of the last of dragonkind. I have taken you to my home, far away from where you used to live. We're in the mountains, I don't know which ones you would call it but they're many hundreds of miles west of where I found you..." and then, he turned his eyes aside, a tinge of regret creeping into his face, "and I called you precious because you are, in fact, very precious to me. In fact, you are possibly the most valuable thing I have in my collection. I-"

"I AM NOT YOUR POSSESSION! TAKE ME HOME!" the wolf yelled. Tears started to form in his eyes. "What gives you the right to just... _steal_people! I had a life! I had work! Years of research, gone! And you took me away, for what, to put me in a cage? Am I some bauble to be admired and discarded? Who the HELL do you think you are?"

The dragon... flinched? Was he intimidated by me?_Speaking carefully, slowly, he opened his toothy maw again. "No! Please, I misspoke. Look, your research, it's here! It's very good! That's you're so important!" Adlier pulled several tomes from the shelves in the study. "You were researching ancient mythology and magic, yes? You were excellent, you almost had it. But there are several key fundamentals you're missing. If you had them, I believe you could understand magic yourself. And then... maybe you could solve the problem that's been plaguing dragonkind for thousands of years. I truly believe you could be our savior. You are _absurdly clever, and there hasn't been a mortal with the potential to cast magic for at least 1000 years. I know I didn't... treat you well initially, but I didn't know what to do! If another dragon had found you..." His voice trailed off

"What?"

"...You might have been eaten..."

"YOU EAT PEOPLE?!" the wolf cried, shrinking away from Adlier.

"Not me! I would never! But... consuming a creature with the potential to cast magic is the only way to ensure genesis, in dragons. That is, reproduction. It doesn't matter whether the dragon is male or female, their next attempt at conception is always successful. But it's such a waste!" Adlier said hurriedly. "It only works once, and mortals who can cast magic are so rare already, it's hardly sustainable anyway. But conception is... well... essentially impossible, otherwise."

The wolf was still terrified, but couldn't help himself from asking more questions. "You keep referring to us as 'mortals'. Are you... not?"

Adlier nodded. "Dragons can be slain, but we do not age the same way you do. I am over 900 years old, myself; I don't really keep track anymore... But that's relatively young, for a dragon. I suppose in your years I'm in my early 30's?"

Either way, that's older than me, thought the wolf; He was only 26 years old this month. "Well, referring to me as 'mortal' is honestly a bit insulting. I have a name, you know. It's-"

"Geppard, I know. I've been reading your work for quite a while now. Sorry, I didn't think."

"It's... fine, I suppose. Look, can you at least take these chains off me? If you're not going to eat me, and I'm stuck here, I at least want to pretend I'm not a prisoner."

"Oh! Yes, yes, of course. Let me just..." Adlier fished a key out of his pocket. "Now, before I do this, I need you to make a promise." He put his hand under Geppard's chin, forcing his gaze to meet his own. His eyes turned that same green color he'd seen before, burning with an intense fire. "Promise me you will not attempt to leave this sanctuary without my permission. It is not safe for you out there anymore. Trust that I will keep you safe here."

Geppard felt a strange compulsion to agree. "I... promise..."

The light went out of Adlier's eyes. "Good. Then I will take these off, we don't need them anymore." With that, he clicked the lock, and the manacles fell to the floor with a clang.

Maltus rubbed his wrists, a little sore from being chained. "Well, thanks... but what was that you just did to me? My head feels... like it's buzzing..."

Adlier looked at him with surprise. "You can feel that? You're more sensitive than I thought... Don't worry. It's a minor compulsion. You're not actually bound to this location, but I'll know immediately if you break your promise and leave my lair. Contrary to what you may believe, I'm not a monster. Still, I really recommend you stay here, at least until you can use basic magic. Otherwise, you'll be entirely helpless against others of my kind."

"And you're doing this, what, out of the kindness of your heart?"

"Well... no, I told you, you're important. You're very good at research. With just scraps and myths, you almost rediscovered magic on your own! Do you know how impossible that is? And now..." Adlier gestured at the books around him, "I can give you access to original source material! Actual books on actual magic! In return, all I would ask you to do is help us with our... breeding problem."

"What."

"N-Not anything sordid! I'm hoping to create an elixir that mimics the energy boost we get from consuming a caster, that's all! But it's been... frustratingly hard, and there really aren't any other dragons left who are as skilled with magic as I am... there's only about 20 of us left, you know. Hardly any... And when you live forever, time can sort of get away from you. Most of them have resigned themselves to being the last of a dying race."

"Well... I am interested to learn more about magic. And I can't deny this would be a huge boon to my research. I'm still essentially a prisoner... But, you promise I can go home after I help you?" Geppard said pensively.

"Yes! Yes, of course! I never intended to keep you here forever. I do hope you'll stay, though... I really miss having someone to talk to. It gets... quite lonely here." Adlier admitted.

There was a brief stretch of awkward silence, broken by Geppard. "So, uh... what do we do first?"

"Oh! Well, I guess we should get you some food and something to drink. My spell will have numbed your pain, but the effects of the one I used to knock you out will still be there, so wine is probably out of the question for now... how about..." Adlier waved his hands, and a plate with assorted fruits, nuts, and cheeses appeared with a goblet of clear, cool water. Geppard looked at it skeptically, until Adlier said, "Don't worry, it's summoning magic. The food is real, it comes from my own private storeroom. It's perfectly safe." And he popped a grape into his maw, chewed thoroughly, and swallowed. "See?"

Geppard then realized how hungry he'd been, and briefly wondered how long he'd been unconscious. He tucked into the food ravenously, interspersing large bites with gulps of water from the goblet that never seemed to empty. It was filling and refreshing, and he felt much better after having eaten. After he finished, Adlier waved his hands again, and the dishes disappeared.

"Very well. Shall we discuss the fundamentals of magic, now? I imagine you're eager to get started."

"I suppose... I might have more questions though." replied Geppard.

"That's all right. Have a seat." Adlier gestured to a set of chairs in the corner next to a fireplace. They sat together, and he continued. "Stop me anytime you have a question. We'll start with the absolute basics. There are six elemental branches of magic. Every caster has an affinity for one, and an aversion to its opposition. Fire and Water are opposites, as are Earth and Air, and Light and Darkness. Each branch is also specialized in some things. For example, my Earth magic is good for binding, healing, building, and repairing, among other things. There can be some overlap between branches, but some are better than others. Fire and Water both have healing magic, for instance, but Water is the best, followed by Earth, then Fire, for example. Some branches are more common than others, but... before I go further... would you perhaps like to know what your affinity is...?" Adlier looked at Maltus with a mixture of curiosity and shyness.

"Ah... Sure? Is it painful? What do I have to do?" Geppard asked.

"Nothing much, and no, it's not painful at all. Take my hands..." and Adlier reached out, his palms upturned. Geppard reached out and clasped them in his own, noticing how smooth his scales were and how warm his touch was... "Very good. Now, I'm going to push some of my magic into yours. It will draw out the essence of your power and show us what you're working with in a visible, tangible way. Are you ready?" Geppard swallowed, then nodded. "Good. Let's begin. Look into my eyes..."

Geppard did as he was told, looking into the dragon's glowing amber eyes. Funny, he thought. When he's not being a creep, he almost looks... friendly. They stared at each other for a few minutes in silence. Maltus shifted uncomfortably. "Is something supposed to be hap-!"

Geppard gasped as a sudden rush of heat poured from Adlier's palms into his. He could feel the warmth spread throughout his entire body, spreading from his hands, up his arms, flooding into his chest. His heart sped up, and he started to sweat at the added heat. Slowly, a green glow started to form out of the corner of his eye...

"Don't let go, but you can look now. You, ah... won't want to miss this." Adlier said, a smile in his voice. Geppard looked around. Glowing ivy made of green light was growing up all the shelves in the room, cascading onto the floor. Motes of green light flitted about the air, emitting a low buzz, similar to... bumblebees? The whole room glowed with the emerald shades.

"Is this... my magic?" Maltus asked.

"No, this is mine. It shows up first since I'm the one infusing you. Impressive, no? The strength of the reaction is associated with the power of the caster. I'll admit, I'm the strongest mage I've ever encountered, most aren't this showy... Yours should be showing up any min- AUGH!" Adlier was abruptly cut off by an intense flash that blinded both of them.

Geppard managed to hang on to Adlier, remembering that he shouldn't let go. However, he wondered if something was wrong. Eyes squinted shut, he called out, "What's happening? Is everything all right?"

"It's... fine! Just... wow... let me see if I can... haaah..." Adlier exhaled, and Maltus felt the warmth inside him recede a bit. "That's better. Now, what have we here..." Then, in a whispered voice, Adlier spoke again. "Oh my gods, Geppard. What are you...? Open your eyes."

With a feeling of dread, Geppard did as he was told. Peeking through one eye, then snapping both wide open he saw...

Light.

Motes of pure white light practically filled the room, dancing among small faeries made of the same light. Intricate details could be made out on their wings. Swords of light hung from the ceiling, illuminating the large cavern completely. The ivy was still there, but it was glowing now, almost as if it was on fire, beads of light pooling and dripping from the leaves like rain. Banners with crossed swords hung from every bookshelf, translucent but still tangible. Geppard took in the view for a few minutes, before realizing he'd forgotten to breathe. He gasped, almost breaking the connection between he and Adlier, but fortunately the dragon grabbed his paws and kept them together.

"Okay... okay. I think we can safely say we know what your affinity is. I'm going to pull my magic out of you. Stay still, this is important, or it could make you VERY sick. Here we go..." Adlier closed his eyes and started breathing slowly. Geppard felt the warmth start to leave his body. He shivered in its absence, almost missing it. "All right, that's all. Uh... you can let go now."

Geppard realized he'd locked his paws around Adlier's clawed hands. "Ah! Sorry... I don't know when I-..." and he let go of Adlier. "Um, so... I have a question now."

"I thought you might."

"What was all that?"

Adlier sighed. "That... was your magic. You are very clearly Light affiliated, but... you're strong. Gods, you're strong. How did none of us find you sooner? No wonder you got so far with your research..."

"How do you know I'm that strong? I've never had any training in magic, and I mean, nothing weird ever happened to me, except that one time I got kidnapped by a mythological creature..." Adlier laughed at that.

"Well, your reaction to that test tells me. It's more like it measures magical potential, rather than actual skill. The more you practice, the more organized it becomes, but... The first time I tested you, you were so strong we couldn't even look at your magic. I had to pull back significantly, and even then, I could barely look at it. And it was already so... formed. You had visual manifestations, even, and they were so detailed. You're powerful. Possibly the most powerful caster I've ever seen. I..." then he lowered his voice, ashamed. "...I may have made a mistake in taking you. I can't teach you..."

Geppard shot up from his chair, pointing accusingly at Adlier. "No, you don't get out of this that easily. You attack me, take me from my home, show me that magic is REAL, and then chicken out of teaching me? No way! You're going to hold up your end of the bargain, or.... Well, I can't really do anything about it, but I... I won't help you! Yeah, that's it! I'll do everything I can to work against your little potion experiment. You need me, and now, I need you." Abruptly, Geppard collapsed back into his chair. "Please... help me. If I'm in danger... I need you. Don't abandon me. You said I was precious, right?"

"Yes! You are! You have to believe-"

"Then prove it. Show me I'm precious to you. Don't abandon me now. You're literally my only chance here." Geppard started to shake; If Adlier left him alone, he wouldn't learn magic, he'd be in danger, he could be eaten...

Adlier saw him start to tremble. He reached out and took Geppard's paws in his hands. "Oh, precious... I'm sorry. I just... I was worried. You may legitimately be too strong for me to teach you everything you need to know... but I will figure it out. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had such doubts... I owe you a great debt, and I will do everything I can to fulfill it. Here... Look me in the eyes again."

"I don't want to be enchanted anymore."

"This one isn't for you. It's for me." Curious, still frightened, Geppard looked down at Adlier, who was kneeling on the floor. "Yes," he said, "keep looking.... Now..." Adlier's eyes flashed an intense, dark green, different than the time before, a richer and more intense glow. "I promise... No... I vow, on my magic, that I will keep you safe, that I will teach you magic, and that if I cannot make an elixir within 1 year, you will be free to leave to go wherever you wish; I shall not keep you." Then he blinked, and his eyes returned to their familiar amber color. Adlier gasped, dropping Geppard's paws and clutching his head.

Geppard panicked. He reached for Adlier's shoulder. "What did you do?! Are you okay?"

"Mmmph.... I'm fine.... That just used a lot of magic all at once, I'm feeling the aftereffects. It'll pass. As for what I did... Well, I told you. I made a vow."

"I... heard, but that can be broken, right? Like the one we did earlier? What's the difference?"

"Quite a lot, actually. It's the wording. Promises can be broken, but repercussions have to be agreed on by both parties. In the absence of those, it's just known if the promise is broken. A vow is much more powerful. The person making it has to stake something. In this case, if I fail to keep you safe, fail to teach you magic, or force you to stay after 1 year... I lose my magic, for a time. Possibly forever, depending on how badly I betray you. The magic senses intent, I do get points for trying, so it's not impossible. But now you know how much you mean to me. My magic is... everything I am. And I would risk it all, for you. Do you understand?"

Geppard swallowed, then nodded slowly. "You... you didn't need to go that far for me. What if you can't teach me magic in a year? Or at all?"

"Like I said, I get points for trying. It understands the intent of my actions." Adlier stood, dusting himself off. "There, I'm feeling better now. Though, I think I need a nap. Would you like to rest as well?"

Geppard nodded. "Yeah... I think I'd better."

"Good idea. I'll show you to the bed."

Bed? Singular? Maybe he doesn't use one? Geppard shrugged, stood up, and followed Adlier down a wide hallway carved out of solid stone. Eventually, they came to another chamber, a large hemisphere with a single large bed and a fireplace. It was sparsely decorated otherwise; Geppard supposed that the dragon spent most of his time in the study.

"Well, here we are. I apologize for the rather spartan accommodations, I don't usually have... guests. I'll dig out a new room for you over the next week or so, but... for now, this will have to do.

"You don't expect me to sleep with you, do you?!" Geppard said indignantly.

"Oh, no, not at all! I'll be fine on the ground."

Oh. While better than the alternative, Geppard still felt bad about that idea. "Uh, not that I'm complaining, I guess, but... Are you sure? You seemed like that last spell you did actually... hurt... you. You'll be okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'll be fine. I'm an Earth dragon, I'll mold it to suit me. I can still manage that." Adlier stated, flexing his arm and tapping his head.

"Oh! I didn't know that was... a thing you could do, I guess. Well, if you're sure...." Geppard hopped into the bed, pulling the thick blanket over himself. Again, he was overwhelmed with the scents of cinnamon and lavender. As he drifted off to sleep, he thought, f_unny... it's almost... comforting..._

Adlier watched him sleep for a while, staring at him, watching his breath rise and fall. I hope I haven't hurt you, my precious... I will keep you safe. I will teach you. And... I hope... I can tell you the truth. One day...